A guide to catheter-directed thrombolysis: A venous thrombosis treatment option
Deep vein thrombosis is when a clot in your blood is formed in a vein whose location is deep within your body. Mostly, DVT occurs in your thighs or legs. You can tell that you have DVT if you feel that your skin is reddening, there is swelling in a part, and you feel tenderness over a vein. It is commonly found in people who are more than 50 years old.

What is catheter-directed thrombolysis?

• It is a venous thrombosis treatment that works by using a catheter and x-ray imaging to dissolve the blockage.
• It helps improve the blood flow so that the tissues and organs in your body are not damaged due to limited blood flow.

What are the benefits of catheter-directed thrombolysis?

• It is comparatively a safe procedure for treating venous thrombosis.
• It is one of the most effective ways to ensure proper circulation.
• There is no requirement for a surgical incision.
• This venous thrombosis treatment can help improve blood flow.
• There is no requirement for an invasive surgery after this treatment.
• You do not need to stay in the hospital for long as in the case of open surgery.

How should you prepare for catheter-directed thrombolysis?

• You should let your doctor know about the medicines you have taken in the past and are currently taking.
• You should inform your doctor about any medical conditions or health issues you are currently dealing with.
• If you are a woman, you should let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or if there is a chance of you getting pregnant.
• A blood test procedure may take place before this venous thrombosis treatment . This is to determine the kidney function and whether the blood clots are normal.
• The doctor will let you know about additional ways to prepare for the procedure. This may include a change in the way you take medication, if any.

What is the procedure of this venous thrombosis treatment?

• In this venous thrombosis treatment, t he blood vessel will be defined first. This is done with the help of a contrast material and x-ray guidance.
• A catheter will be inserted through the skin and then into the vessel. A nick will be made. This nick does not have to be stitched at a later date.
• The catheter will be then moved to the place where the blood clot resides. This is done with the help of positioning the catheter slowly.
• Then, the blood clot dissolving process takes place in two ways. Medication can be used, which is directly sent to your blood clot. Else, the clot is broken up with another device.

What is the equipment typically used in this treatment?

• A catheter is a plastic tube that is thin and long in appearance. Its thickness is as much as a single strand of spaghetti.
• One to two x-ray tubes, an x-ray camera, and medication/device are needed for dissolving clots in the blood.
• The other equipment used includes a monitor, an ultrasound machine, and an intravenous line.
• The equipment used may differ depending on how your doctor wants to dissolve your blood clot.

How can you know about the meaning of the results?

• Your interventional radiologist is the one who will interpret the results of this venous thrombosis treatment . They will tell you whether the treatment was successful or not.
• You may require additional treatment after this treatment. This is only the case if damage to your tissues occurred during the treatment process.
• There will probably be a physical check-up that will take place at a later date. There may be other tests such as blood tests and imaging tests.

Are there any risks involved with this venous thrombosis treatment?

• There is a risk of infection in this deep vein thrombosis treatment- 1 in 1,000.
• You may have an allergic reaction, although the chances of this are very less.
• Your blood vessels can be damaged although the risk of this happening is very low.
• There can be other places in your body where bleeding may occur.
• People with kidney disease may experience kidney damage, although this is rare.
• Sometimes, the material that has blocked your blood vessel can move to another part, which may require further treatment.